While many satellite builders focus on small spacecraft for low-Earth orbit (LEO), one Los Angeles startup, K2, is thinking bigger and aiming farther. The company is betting that falling launch costs will unlock opportunities for medium-Earth orbit (MEO) satellites, which can accommodate more onboard power and payload.
K2 is designing a massive satellite bus that can withstand the harsh radiation of MEO at a fraction of the cost of current products available on the market. This ambitious vision has attracted former Pentagon space policy chief John Plumb, who is joining K2 as head of strategy. Plumb emphasized that instead of focusing on smaller satellites, K2 is building a large satellite bus designed for high-capacity payloads and extensive solar power, targeting the MEO radiation environment. He noted that the aim is to deliver more capable satellites at a similar cost to those much smaller.
Currently, there is a significant push within the government and industry to proliferate satellites in LEO, but less effort has been directed towards reducing costs for MEO and geostationary orbits. According to Plumb, current large buses producing 20 kilowatts of power can range from $100 to $200 million each. In contrast, K2 aims to deliver similar capabilities for just $15 million.
K2 plans to launch its first “mega-class satellite” next year, capable of carrying up to 1,000 kilograms of payload. This mission, known as Gravitas, has secured partial funding from a $60 million Pentagon contract. The satellite will initially launch to LEO to demonstrate operations before gradually moving to MEO, utilizing K2’s electric propulsion system.
Plumb highlighted the allure of MEO, noting its reduced vulnerability to missiles and other threats compared to LEO, as well as its less populated nature. He mentioned hearing from colleagues in the industry that MEO is becoming “the new LEO,” suggesting that it will play a crucial role in both commercial and national security strategies.
The company’s goal is to assemble satellites in just three months by utilizing standardized bus designs and solar panels, with most components produced in-house. K2’s facilities are located in a new 181,000-square-foot factory in Torrance, California, where the workforce has increased from around 30 to approximately 90 employees over the past year.
In his role at K2, Plumb intends to leverage commercial innovations to enhance national security. He previously served as the first assistant defense secretary for space policy and was responsible for drafting the Pentagon’s commercial space strategy. Plumb emphasized that for the Pentagon to better integrate commercial companies into space operations, the Space Force budget will need to increase, focusing on new capabilities that can be delivered in the short term.
Plumb also noted the importance of recognizing that a diverse range of orbits will be necessary to expand space capabilities and bolster deterrence. He reiterated that K2 is not the only company capable of providing value to the military, stressing the need for collaboration between the Pentagon, Congress, and industry to maximize benefits in the evolving landscape of space operations.